Bergen Swamp

New York State's first National Natural Landmark

The Bergen Swamp is a remnant of the ancient glacial Lake Tonawanda. It includes northern white cedar forest, pine-hemlock forest, and beech-maple deciduous forest. The site supports a high diversity of plants, with a total of 2,392 species identified, and is especially known for its orchids. Many of the plants are rare or endangered. The habitat is unique in New York State and rare nationally.

The site is also rich in breeding birds and has a variety of species that don't breed elsewhere in the Lake Ontario plain. These include boreal species such as the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Alder Flycatcher, Blue-headed Vireo, Winter Wren, Hermit Thrush, Nashville Warbler, Blackburnian Warbler, Black-and-white Warbler, Canada Warbler, and Purple Finch. Five species of breeding owls are present: the Great Horned, Eastern Screech, Barred, Long­eared, and Northern Sawwhet Owls. In addition, the following at-risk species are confirmed breeders: the American Bittern, Willow Flycatcher, Wood Thrush, Blue-winged Warbler, and Canada Warbler.

Individual or group visits can be arranged by contacting the caretaker, or join us for a guided-tour at one of their upcoming events.